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ADDRESS CHALLENGES FACED BY INMATES-NGOCC

By Staff Reporter

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called upon Government to look into the welfare of inmates and address the various challenges faced.

Speaking during the commemoration of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence held at the Lusaka Central Correctional Facility, NGOCC Executive Director Engwase B. Mwale implored government to pay particular attention to female inmates who were serving various sentences with their children.

“May I therefore, appeal to the Government to address some of the challenges that the inmates face, especially the female inmates who sometimes are incarcerated along with their children.”

Ms Mwale said NGOCC was aware of the difficulties female inmates were facing and that her organization was ready to work with the Correctional Facilities.

She said her organization would ensure there was sensitization among inmates against GBV as they could make good ambassadors.

Ms. Mwale encourage society not to look down on inmates.

“As an organisation that promotes women’s rights, we understand the difficulties that women in detention centres undergo. we therefore, stand ready to join hands with the correctional facilities to undertake preventive sensitisation to ensure that people do not end up in prisons because of gender based violence” Ms Mwale said.

“Reformed inmates once out of these facilities can make good ambassadors in the fight against gender-based violence. society should not look down on these our sisters and brothers that find themselves in these circumstances. I am aware that one of your principle business as a correctional facility is to help people to reform and become better citizens.”

And speaking at the same function, Correctional Facilities Commissioner Percy Chato said it was gratifying to partner with NGOCC in the fight against GBV and he hoped the collaboration was the beginning of better things to come.

“I must mention that as the Correctional Facilities, very delighted to partner with NGOCC in an effort to sensitize inmates on GBV and alleviate some of the challenges that were being faced especially among the female inmates.”